The WDI has been a part of the Department of Labor’s grant portfolio for a number of years. But recently, Governor Cuomo dramatically increased the allocation offered to companies and non-profits to train and hire new workers.
We have been successful in acquiring WDI funds for four of our clients past and present. The first was for Bootleg Bucha to help train workers to assist in their anticipated increase in production at their Niagara Street facility in Buffalo. The second was for Cedar Bus Company to help drivers obtain their Class B CDL license and receive training on transporting wheelchair-bound and special needs clients to medical appointments. And this last year we received funding for both Northland Workforce Training Center and Mercy Flight. Please allow a moment of humblebrag — that is, 100% of our clients who applied received a commitment of WDI funds.
Each of these grants will train un-employed or underemployed workers in a skill that is transferrable throughout their career or to help upskill current employees to take the next step in their career trajectory — real jobs for real people with family-sustaining wages and benefits. There is nothing more important to our economy and quality of life than helping people get the education they need to do their jobs. Did I mention how much I love my work?